In a remarkable display of unity and dedication, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) recently hosted its largest annual fundraising event, PanCAN PurpleStride. Held on April 26, 2025, this event took place across nearly 60 cities in the United States, drawing in survivors, supporters, celebrities, and special guests to walk in solidarity against one of the world’s deadliest forms of cancer. The event successfully raised nearly $16.5 million, a significant contribution towards combating pancreatic cancer, which has a notoriously low five-year survival rate below 20%.
The event in Los Angeles was marked by significant participation from influential figures in the entertainment industry. Dr. Nicholas Nissen, captain of The Cedars-Sinai Whipplers team, was joined by Star Trek actor and 21-year pancreatic cancer survivor Kitty Swink, as well as Lisa Niemi Swayze, wife of the late Patrick Swayze, to cut the purple ribbon and officially commence the walk. The presence of these figures highlights the urgency and the human impact of the disease, which is currently the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
Julie Fleshman, the president and CEO of PanCAN, emphasized the critical importance of events like PurpleStride. She highlighted the need for increased research and funding, especially in light of recent federal funding cuts. PanCAN Patient Services plays a vital role in providing patients and caregivers with essential resources, while the organization continues to advocate for more federal support to drive scientific progress.
The Washington D.C. event featured reality star Joan Vassos, who spoke passionately about her late husband John’s battle with pancreatic cancer. Her team, “It’s Just a Sprain,” walked in his honor, showcasing the personal stories that drive the mission forward. The event in Los Angeles also saw participation from the cast of “Days of our Lives,” who walked in memory of their on-screen father, Drake Hogestyn, another victim of this devastating disease.
Notable participants included actors from the Star Trek series, such as John Billingsley and Juan Carlos Coto, who continued their tradition of leading the “Trek Against Pancreatic Cancer” team. This dedication to the cause underscores the widespread impact of pancreatic cancer on families and communities, as well as the urgent need for continued advocacy and support.
The fight against pancreatic cancer has also been marked by the loss of several high-profile individuals, including Alex Trebek, Jerry Springer, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. These losses have heightened public awareness and underscored the importance of initiatives like PurpleStride in raising funds and awareness.
PanCAN’s efforts continue to gain support from national partners like Revolution Medicines and sponsors Ipsen and AbbVie. The funds raised through PurpleStride will be instrumental in advancing research, developing early detection strategies, and improving treatment options for patients.
For more information about PanCAN and its initiatives, or to make a donation, individuals are encouraged to visit pancan.org. The organization remains committed to its mission of saving lives and improving outcomes for those affected by pancreatic cancer.
Note: This article is inspired by content from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tv-stars-walk-the-walk-from-coast-to-coast-at-pancan-purplestride-the-ultimate-walk-to-end-pancreatic-cancer-302440203.html. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.